Linked Stitches

The holidays are a dangerous time for crocheters because if they're not careful, suddenly they'll have plans to crochet something for everyone on their Christmas list. It happens to every crocheter sooner or later. That's why this time of year The Animator's Wife starts thinking about features that allow her to crochet a project faster, such as thicker yarn, fatter hooks, and taller stitches.

Of course, the problem with using taller stitches and thicker yarn is there is more space between the stitches, which is a problem when one is trying to make warm items such as scarves and afghans, because larger gaps between the stitches means more cold air can get through (and more body heat can escape).

The solution, my friend, is linked stitches. Linked stitches provide stability to an otherwise open fabric. Whereas normal stitches are only connected at the top and bottom, linked stitches are also connected in the middle, which eliminates that gap that would normally be between the stitches.

A row of linked double crochet.

Any of the taller stitches (dc and above) can be linked together. We'll demonstrate on the double crochet.

1. Begin by making the first dc as usual. The next dc will be worked by linking to the loop indicated by the arrow in the photo.

2. To start the next dc, instead of yarning over, insert the hook into the loop indicated by the arrow above.

3. Yarn over and pull a loop through that one loop. You should now have two loops on your hook.

4. Now insert the hook into the next stitch of the previous row.

5. Yarn over and pull a loop through the stitch. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.

6. Finish the dc as usual by yarning over and pulling through 2 loops twice.

The new dc is now linked to the previous dc.

The technique is the same for taller stitches, except you will have more loops to work through before inserting your hook on the stitch.

For example, when working linked treble crochet, first work a normal treble crochet, then instead of yarning over to start the next treble crochet, insert the hook in the loop indicated by the top arrow in the photo below.

Yarn over and draw a loop through, then insert the hook into the loop indicated by the bottom arrow in the photo. Yarn over, draw a loop through, then insert the hook into the next stitch in the previous row. Finish the treble crochet as usual.

The taller the stitch to be linked, the more loops there will be to be linked, but I think this gives you the idea. Try it out on your next scarf and see how much warmer you'll be.